LebMASH 2016 Annual Reception and Award Gala in Beirut

On March 24 2016, the Lebanese Medical Association for Sexual Health (LebMASH) hosted its Annual Reception & Award Gala in Ashkal-Alwan, Beirut, Lebanon.
The Swiss Embassy was represented by its 2eme Secrétaire, Mr. Chasper Sarott. LebMASH had the opportunity to thank the Swiss Embassy for their generous grant in support of “Shu EL Sabab” awareness video. “Shu El Sabab” was screened during the event.
The Lebanese Psychiatric Society (LPS) was represented by its president Dr. Josiane Madi Skaff who called for strengthening the collaboration between LPS and LebMASH and called for annulling article 534.
The Lebanese Psychological Association (LPA) was represented by its board member Dr. Michel Nawfal, who spoke about the work the LPA has been doing.
The reception was attended by representatives from many universities and civil society organizations including Himaya, Helem, MOSAIC, Oum el Nour, Skoun, KAFA, MARSA, ABAAD, The Arab Foundation for Freedom & Equality (AFE), Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF), among others.
Marsa Sexual Health Center received LebMASH’s 2016 ‘Leader in LGBT Health Equality Award’ for providing confidential and anonymous services related to sexual health and establishing themselves as a needed safe-space for LGBT individuals seeking healthcare services. Marsa’s President Dr. Ayman Assi and Manager, Diana Abou Abbas, accepted the award. Diana stressed in their acceptance speech the importance of collaboration between different organizations and the role Helem played in paving the way for Marsa to become the game changer it is now in the region.
The Annual Reception & Award Gala was inspiring and fun, it also was a great networking opportunity for many. LebMASH raised $900 from individual donations, a silent auction, and raffle prizes. Many donated gifts were distributed on attendants who won in a spontaneous jeopardy-style engaging game.
LebMASH would like to thank our sponsors for their generous contributions: Ashkal Alwan, Barakat Travel Agency, Contro Corrente Italia, Grand Hills Hotel, Elie Melhem Clinics (EMC), Ice Watch, Stolichnaya, Kefraya, Zaatar w Zeit, Triple K Catering, Pepsico, Pepsi, Aquafina, Libby’s, Haber Printing, Promax, Grand cinemas, and Lebanon Dance Academy.
A Special thanks goes to Nora Abou Chakra from The Sponsor Company for her support and exceptional work in the organization of this year’s annual reception.
We can not do anything we do without the support of our volunteers. A big thank you to Bianca Sallum, Jonathan Harb, Ahmad Abou Mohammad and Roy Achkar.
It was humbling to be in one room with so many great leaders and trail blazers. It was a beautiful evening filled with great vibes, inspiring words and new connections. We are grateful for sharing these moments with all of our guests, volunteers, partners, friends and family, and would like to thank everyone for their support.